Relocatable transportable safety crash barrier system

ABSTRACT

A relocatable traffic barrier system including a plurality of elongate barrier modules ( 112, 113 ) connected end-to-end, each module having a cavity for receiving a ballast of a fluid material wherein the barrier system includes at least one crash rail ( 124 ) extending lengthwise along at least one side of the plurality of elongate barrier modules wherein the at least one crash rail is secured to selected elongate barrier modules by a deformable member ( 123 ), said deformable member being disposed between the at least one crash rail and the selected elongate barrier modules.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to relocatable barriers, particularly ofthe type ballasted with fluid material such as water.

BACKGROUND

Elongate barrier systems are commonly used for such purposes as guidingtraffic and preventing ingress of pedestrians and vehicles intoparticular areas such as building and excavation sites. One form ofbarrier system used in such circumstances consists of a number ofmatching generally elongate modules which are connected end-to-end toform a barrier, each module including or being a container adapted to befilled with a fluid such as water for ballast. The ballast provides thecontainer with sufficient weight such that the barrier is not easilymoved by contact from the type of traffic (pedestrians or slow movingvehicles) it is intended to control or guide.

Whilst such barriers are useful for these limited purposes theygenerally lack the ability to safely absorb impacts, such as accidentalimpacts by motor vehicles, without failure of the barrier or excessivelylarge lateral displacement. Failure of the barrier upon impact by avehicle moving at speed, generally in the direction of longitudinal axisof the barrier, can result in the vehicle breaching the barrier. Thismay result in the pedestrians or objects protected by the barrier beingendangered by the vehicle similarly excessive displacement of thebarrier may endanger pedestrians or objects behind the barrier.

Government agencies establish guidelines for crash barrier safety. Forexample, the United States Department of Transportation, Federal HighwayAdministration (FHWA) policy requires the use of devices on the NationalHighway System (NHS) that have been successfully tested in accordancewith the guidelines contained in the National Cooperative HighwayResearch Program (NCHRP) Report 350, “Recommended Procedures for theSafety Performance Evaluation of Highway Features.” State transportationagencies may establish different standards for non-NHS projects, but theUnited States FHWA recommends the use of crash-worthy devices on allpublic facilities where run-off-the-road crashes may occur. Standardsare provided for various highway safety features, including relocatabletransportable work zone devices. Category 3 devices are subject to thefull crash testing requirements of NCHRP Report 350, Levels 1 to 3.Level 3 is a 25 degree impact at 100 kmh with a 2000 kg pickup, and a 20degree impact with a 820 kg sedan. Successful devices shall preventpenetration of the barrier line and control the deceleration ofimpacting vehicles by dissipating the vehicle's kinetic energy in amanner that does not cause violent decelerations which cause injuries tovehicle occupants. When struck, the barrier system shall redirect theerrant vehicle back onto the roadway or bring the errant vehicle to asafe and controlled stop. Most of the available modular, ballastedlongitudinal barrier style systems fail to meet these standards andwhere protection is required it is necessary to employ relocatablebarriers of the type formed from concrete. The use of barriers formedfrom concrete increases the difficulty in transporting and positioningthe barriers due to the extreme mass of the barrier elements that needto be transported and deployed.

Attempts have been made to modify ballasted barriers to enable them tofunction adequately as vehicular crash barriers. For example, oneapproach has been to provide an internal reinforced steel framework ineach module, the framework being so designed that when modules areconnected together by fasteners the frameworks are effectively connectedtogether, thus increasing the crash-resistance of the barrier. Thisapproach suffers from the disadvantage of complexity of manufacture,assembly and weight of the empty, or unballasted, modules

We have now found a barrier that is able to resist impacts such asimpacts by motor vehicles, and which avoids the use of modules withinternal frameworks or bracing. The barrier system of the presentinvention allows the use of existing modular ballasted barriers, whichis advantageous, but also encompasses the use of purpose built barriermodules. In either case, the problems associated with transport ofbarrier modules encumbered by the weight of internal framing areminimized or at least the consumer is provided with a useful orcommercial choice. Also within the scope of the invention are fittingsand fixtures for use in the construction of the barrier of the presentinvention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided arelocatable traffic barrier system including a plurality of elongatebarrier modules connected end-to-end, each module having a cavity forreceiving a ballast of a fluid material wherein the barrier systemincludes at least one crash rail extending lengthwise along at least oneside of the plurality of elongate barrier modules wherein the at leastone crash rail is secured to selected elongate barrier modules by adeformable member said deformable member being disposed between the atleast one crash rail and the selected elongate barrier modules.

In another aspect, the invention provides a method for installing atraffic barrier including connecting a plurality of elongate barriermodules end-to-end wherein each module comprises a cavity for receivinga ballast of a fluid material, ballasting at least some of the modulesby filling respective cavities within said modules with a fluidmaterial, securing a deformable member to selected modules and securingto the deformable members at least one crash rail extending lengthwisealong at least one side of the barrier wherein the deformable member isdisposed between the at least one crash rail and the selected elongatebarrier modules.

In another aspect, the invention provides a deformable member formounting a crash rail to at least one elongate barrier module, each ofthe at least one elongate barrier modules including a cavity forreceiving a ballasting fluid, each said module being adapted forend-to-end connection to an adjacent elongate module, said deformablemember including a first part for abutment with a first face of a saidelongate barrier module and securable to said first face by at least onefastener, a deformable element extending from said first part, and aconnection means for engagement of the crash rail to the deformableelement.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The relocatable traffic barrier constructed in accordance with thepresent invention is greatly stiffened against lateral deflections dueto vehicle impacts by the crash rail. The greater the number of modulesto which a single span of the crash rail is secured, the better thisstiffening effect will be. The crash rail or rails may be of known type,such as rolled steel “W” sections made for the purpose or proprietarydesigned steel sections. In addition to providing an alternative form ofconstruction to existing traffic barriers with crash-resistance, theinvention allows easy handling and transport, permitting modules to bebrought to site with or without crash rails or the fittings attached andassembled into a continuous barrier by connecting them end-to-end. Afterattaching the fittings (if not attached to the modules before theirconnection together) the crash rail itself may be attached and themodules ballasted as necessary by filling with fluid.

The barrier may be formed from any convenient ballasted modularbarriers. Each module has a cavity for receiving ballast in the form ofa fluid material. The barriers are ballasted with a fluid material. Thefluid material is preferably water but may be any other fluid material,including other liquids and friable solids, such as sand. The barrier ofthe present invention may be formed from existing transportable modularbarriers, including those whose modules are water containers formed ofplastics materials, or may be formed from purpose built modules.

It is particularly preferred that the modules are substantially formedof a plastics material.

The modules are connected end-to-end. The end-to-end connection may beby any convenient means known to those skilled in the art. In apreferred configuration the respective ends of the modules are capableof interlocking to enhance the end-to-end connection.

The barrier has at least one crash rail extending lengthwise along atleast one side of the barrier. It is preferred that the crash rail besecured to at least one deformable member on each of the modules, or oneach one of a contiguous plurality of the modules, included in thebarrier. This minimizes “weak points” in the assembled barrier.

It is particularly preferred that the crash rail is formed of hot orcold-rolled steel. Preferably the crash rail is a steel W beam that isitself deformable hence it's structure. Other suitable crash railsinclude deformable QUAD beams.

A barrier according to the invention may have crash rails along bothsides of the barrier, or where required, along one side only.

The at least one crash rail is secured to selected deformable membersand said deformable member is secured to the barrier. The deformablemember deforms on impact with the barrier by a vehicle or the like wherethe impact exceeds a predetermined force. Its preferred that thedeformable member includes a deformable element design to absorb oraccommodate the majority of the deformation of the member. Thedeformable member may preferably be a metal plate of selected thicknessextending laterally from the barrier. The preferred form of thedeformable element is a C-section of metal disposed vertically on afirst portion of the deformable member with the open side of theC-section facing away from the oncoming traffic.

The at least one crash rail is secured to a deformable member. Thedeformable member may include a flange for affixing directly orindirectly to the at least one crash rail. In the fitting assembly ofthe present invention the flange may be considered the connection means.

The deformable member is secured to the barrier. Preferably thedeformable member includes a flange for connection to the respectivemodule. In the fitting assembly of the present invention this flange maybe considered the first part.

In a preferred embodiment the deformable member is a c-shaped section ofmild steel, preferably with the flanges directed away from the oncomingtraffic.

The fitting assembly of the present invention has a first partco-operable with a first face of a said module and securable to saidfirst face by at least one fastener, a deformable member extending fromsaid first part, and a connection means for engagement with the crashrail

It is preferred that the first part of the fittings conforms to a partof the contour of the module to which it is secured where it contactsthe said module. At least one of the fittings may be adapted to beretained on a module by being captive on the module when assembled. Forexample, it may be captive in an opening or recess in the module. Thesaid opening may be a hole defined by and passing through the module,such as those provided in some known plastic barriers to stiffen and (infilled condition) lighten them.

Preferably, the first part of the fittings is secured to a module by afastener such as a nut/bolt assembly. In a particularly preferredarrangement, said fastener passes through each of a pair of adjacentmodules thereby to connect the pair of modules. These or some of thesaid fittings may include a part generally in the form of a strap orplate extending over a part of the surface of the module and securedthereto by the fastener. These or some of the said fittings may besecured to the module by the said fastener indirectly via anintermediate fitting.

We have found that the modules typically have tapered, non verticalwalls. The first portion of the deformable member is preferably in theshape of a bracket that has a vertical face spaced away from the module.This typically results in a wedge shaped aperture between the verticalface and the module. It is preferred that a plate or brace be positionedin this wedge shaped aperture to strengthen the first portion.

The fastener may be a bolt/nut assembly, with the nut or a head of thebolt lying when in use in a recess in the module, and the intermediatefitting including a washer part which lies in contact with said nut orhead and at least one further part connected to the washer and extendingout of the recess to the said fitting. The said fastener at least onefurther part of the intermediate fitting may pass through an openingformed in the fitting.

A fitting secured to a module by a fastener as disclosed above mayextend over opposing sides of the module or modules and may be securedto the module on each of said sides by the fastener.

In order that the invention may be more fully understood and put intopractice, preferred embodiments thereof will now be described withreference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective drawing of a known module such as is used fortraffic barriers.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the module shown in FIG. 1 taken atthe station marked by arrow “A” in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the module shown in FIG. 1 taken atthe same station as the view in FIG. 2, the module now being part of abarrier according to the invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective exploded view of certain parts of the barriershown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of a barrieraccording to the invention taken at the longitudinal station marked bythe dotted line “B” in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view taken at “BB” in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a deformable member according to apreferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an exploded cross-sectional view of a relocatable barriersystem according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1 shows a module 1 used for transportable barriers at buildingsites, for traffic guidance and the like. The phantom extension in thefigure indicates the outlines of part of a barrier 2 assembled byconnecting together, end-to-end, several matching barrier modules ofthis type, including modules 13 and 14. The module 1 is hollow andformed of a plastics material and is adapted to be filled with water orother liquid as ballast. There are holes 3 formed in the module 1 tostiffen the sides 4 of the module 1 against deflection due tohydrostatic pressure when the module 1 is filled. For end-to-endconnection of the module 1 to other matching modules 13 and 14,protruding end pieces 5, 6, 7 and 8 are provided, which interlock withcorresponding protrusions 15, 16, 17 and 18 on modules 13 and 14.

FIG. 2 is a cross-section at holes 9 and 10 (at a longitudinal stationindicated by arrow “A”) of the module 1 and shows how the protrusions 5and 6 interlock with protrusions 15 and 16 of adjacent module 13.Connection of adjacent modules is by nut/bolt assemblies such as 19/19 aand 20/20 a passing through holes 9 and 10 of the protrusions 5 and 6and matching holes 21 and 22 in module 13, and similarly at the otherend of the module 1. The holes 9, 10, 21 and 22 are so formed thatballast liquid (not shown) is retained in the module 1.

FIG. 3 is an identical view to that in FIG. 2 of a module 24 of abarrier 23 according to the invention, the module 24 being of the sametype as module 1. A fitting 25 is secured to the module 24 and to thatfitting 25 is secured an elongate crash rail 26 of known type (i.e. ofroll-formed steel, and having a “W” cross-section). Other types of crashrail could of course be used. A nut/bolt assembly 27 secures the crashrail 26 to the fitting 25.

As best seen in FIG. 4, the fitting 25 includes a steel strap 28, bentto conform to the cross-sectional shape of the assembled barrier 23. Tothe strap 28 is welded a support 29 for the crash rail 26. The strap 28has sections 30 and 31 which allow the fitting 25 to sit stably on themodule 24 for convenience during assembly of the barrier 23 before bolts31 and 32 are passed through holes 33, 34, 35 and 36 in the module 24and an adjacent module 37 to join modules 24 and 37. Assembly of nuts 38and 39 with washers 40 and 41 to the bolts 31 and 32 completes thejoining process.

Normally, but not essentially, the crash rail 26 is in sections oflength exceeding the lengths of modules 24 and 37, such crash railsections being bolted together as is known in the art.

It will be noted that the holes 33, 34, 35 and 36 lay within recesses42, 43, 44 and 45. To enable the bolts 31 and 32 to retain the fitting25 in place, intermediate fittings 46 and 47 are provided which havewasher-like parts 48 and 49 through which bolts 31 and 32 pass.Extensions 50, 51, 52 and 53 pass through openings 54 and 55 in thestrap 28 and in turn retain the strap 28 in place on the modules 24 and37. Intermediate fitting 47 is omitted from FIG. 4 for clarity, but ascan be seen in FIG. 3 is similar to intermediate fitting 46.

It will be immediately apparent that the strap 28 of the fitting 25could be extended down the sides 56 and 57 of the modules 24 and 37 sothat, via intermediate fittings (not shown) the same as intermediatefittings 46 and 47, the strap could be secured on both sides of themodules 24 and 37 by the bolts 31 and 32. This is also within the scopeof the invention. It would also be possible to locate a support similarto the support 29 to such an extension of strap 28, so that a secondcrash rail (not shown) could be located on the opposite side of thebarrier 23 to the crash rail 26. This also is within the scope of theinvention.

There are of course other ways to achieve the basic objective ofproviding one or more crash rails such as the crash rail 26 on a barriermade of modules such as the modules 1 or 24. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectionalview of a module 60 of a barrier 61 according to the invention, themodule 60 being of the same type as module 1. A fitting 62 including asupport 64 is provided for mounting of a crash rail 63 and is captive ina lightening and stiffening hole 66 the same as the hole 3 of the module1. A plate 65 conforming to the surfaces 67 and 68 of the module 60 isheld thereagainst by bolt/nut assemblies 69, 70, 78 and 79. These passthrough tubes 71, 72, 73 and 74 welded to the plate 65 and through aplate 75 bearing against the opposite sides 76 and 77 of the module 60.Thus the fitting 62 is captive in the hold 66, and the crash rail 63 issupported.

Still other ways of supporting an external crash rail on a barrier ofmodules such as module 1 will be apparent and lie within the scope ofthe invention. The descriptions above have been based on a particularstyle of module, but other module designs are known and a person skilledin the art could readily adapt the described parts to suit these.Moreover, purpose built modules could be made and used. These could forexample have simpler and/or more convenient fixing arrangements for thefittings that support the crash rail or rails.

FIG. 7 shows a deformable member 101 having a vertically disposeddeformable element 102 in the form of a metal C-section. The deformableelement 102 is welded to a first portion 103. The C-section 102 has anaperture 104 through which a bolt (not shown) may be used to attach acrash rail (not shown).

The first portion 103 includes a pair of opposed leg members 105 and 106respectively. Each of the leg members 105 and 106 have respective feet107 and 108. Each of the feet 107 and 108 have apertures 109 and 110 forreceiving bolts to affix the deformable member to the barrier module(not shown). The first member includes a brace 111 positioned tosubstantially follow the taper of the sidewalls of a barrier module (notshown). The brace 111 may be in the form of a stringer plate.

FIG. 8 shows in cross-section a pair of abutting barrier modules 112 and113. The respective ends of the barrier modules 112 and 113 includeelements that overlap and allow the abutting ends of the barrier modules112 and 113 to be bolted together. The respective ends of the barriermodules 112 and 113 include apertures 114 and 115 through which a bolt116 may be passed. The respective ends of the barrier modules 112 and113 may include recesses 117 and 118 for receiving the feet 119 of therespective deformable members 120. The feet 119 may be retained withinthe respective recesses 117 and 118 and bolted to the respective ends ofthe barrier modules 112 and 113. The deformable members 120 include apair of opposed legs 121 that extend from the respective recesses 117and 118. A stringer plate 122 braces the legs 121. A C-section 123extends from the first portion of the deformable member and a crash rail124 is bolted to the C-section 123 with a bolt 125.

Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention describedabove may be subject to improvements and modifications that will beapparent without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventiondescribed herein.

1. A relocatable traffic barrier system including a plurality ofelongate barrier modules connected end-to-end to form a contiguousplurality of the barrier modules, each barrier module having a cavityfor receiving a ballast of a fluid material wherein the barrier systemincludes at least one crash rail extending lengthwise along at least oneside of the plurality of elongate barrier modules wherein the at leastone crash rail is secured to each of the elongate barrier modules by adeformable member, said deformable members being disposed between the atleast one crash rail and the elongate barrier modules to space the atleast one crash rail away from the barrier modules, wherein selecteddeformable members are secured to each of a pair of adjacent barriermodules where the adjacent barrier modules are connected end-to-end,such that the crash rail in combination with the elongate barriermodules safely absorbs vehicle impacts against the crash rail.
 2. Arelocatable traffic barrier system according to claim 1 wherein thefluid material is water.
 3. A relocatable traffic barrier systemaccording to claim 1 wherein the crash rail is formed from a pluralityof sections and extends over and is mounted upon a plurality of adjacentbarrier modules.
 4. A relocatable traffic barrier system according toclaim 1 wherein the crash rail is a steel W beam.
 5. A relocatabletraffic barrier system according to claim 1 wherein the deformablemember includes a deformable element design to absorb or accommodate themajority of the deformation of the member.
 6. A relocatable trafficbarrier system according to claim 5 wherein the deformable element is aC-section of metal disposed vertically on a first portion of thedeformable member with the open side of the C-section facing away fromthe oncoming traffic.
 7. A relocatable traffic barrier system accordingto claim 1 wherein the deformable member includes a first portion and adeformable element wherein the first portion is in the shape of abracket that has a vertical face spaced away from the module and whereinthe first portion includes an angled brace.
 8. A deformable member formounting a crash rail to at least one elongate barrier module, each ofthe at least one elongate barrier modules including a cavity forreceiving a ballasting fluid, each said elongate barrier module beingadapted for end-to-end connection to an adjacent elongate barriermodule, each said elongate barrier module comprising recesses extendinginto a first face of said elongate barrier module, said deformablemember including a first part to be received within said recesses of asaid elongate barrier module and securable to said recesses by at leastone fastener, a deformable element extending from said first part, and aconnection means for engagement of the crash rail to the deformableelement, wherein the deformable member spaces the crash rail away fromthe barrier module, such that the crash rail in combination with theelongate barrier modules safely absorbs vehicle impacts against thecrash rail.
 9. A deformable member according to claim 8 wherein thedeformable member includes a deformable element design to absorb oraccommodate the majority of the deformation of the member.
 10. Adeformable member according to claim 9 wherein the deformable element isa C-section of metal disposed vertically on a first portion of thedeformable member with the open side of the C-section facing away fromthe oncoming traffic.
 11. A deformable member according to claim 8wherein the deformable member includes a first portion and a deformableelement wherein the first portion is in the shape of a bracket that hasa vertical face spaced away from the module and wherein the firstportion includes an angled brace.
 12. A method for installing a trafficbarrier including: connecting a plurality of elongate barrier modulesend-to-end to form a contiguous plurality of the barrier modules,wherein each barrier module comprises a cavity for receiving a ballastof a fluid material, ballasting at least some of the modules by fillingrespective cavities within said modules with a fluid material, securinga deformable member to each of the barrier modules, and securing to thedeformable members at least one crash rail extending lengthwise along atleast one side of the barrier modules, wherein the deformable membersare disposed between the at least one crash rail and the barrier modulesto space the at least one crash rail away from the barrier modules,wherein the deformable members are connected to and disposed betweeneach of a pair of adjacent barrier modules, such that the crash rail incombination with the elongate barrier modules safely absorbs vehicleimpacts against the crash rail.
 13. A method for installing a trafficbarrier according to claim 12 wherein the crash rail is formed from aplurality of sections and extends over and is mounted upon a pluralityof adjacent barrier modules.
 14. A method for installing a trafficbarrier according to claim 12 wherein the crash rail is a steel W beam.15. A method for installing a traffic barrier according to claim 12wherein the deformable member includes a deformable element design toabsorb or accommodate the majority of the deformation of the member. 16.A method for installing a traffic barrier according to claim 12 whereinthe deformable member includes a first portion and a deformable elementwherein the first portion is in the shape of a bracket that has avertical face spaced away from the module and wherein the first portionincludes an angled brace.
 17. A relocatable traffic barrier systemaccording to claim 1 wherein selected deformable members are secured tothe elongate barrier modules by fasteners, wherein selected fastenerspass through each of a pair of adjacent barrier modules thereby toconnect the pair of modules to each other and to secure the deformablemembers to the elongate barrier modules.
 18. A deformable memberaccording to claim 8 wherein selected fasteners pass through each of apair of adjacent barrier modules thereby to connect the pair of barriermodules to each other and to secure the deformable members to theelongate barrier modules.